49ers linebacker Willis returns after missing 22 practices with ankle, Achilles injury

49ers linebacker Willis returns to practice

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis was back Monday after missing 22 practices with an ankle and Achilles’ injury.

Willis, who suffered the injury during a drill, only participated in individual drills as the team’s trainers ease him in slowly.

Willis said he wanted to return far sooner.

“If it was up to me, I would try to go the next day I hurt it,” Willis said. “But I didn’t want to let my pride and ego hurt the team.”

Among other things, Willis needs time to practice with the radio coaches want him to wear inside his helmet this season so he can communicate with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Willis experimented briefly with the radio last year, but then relinquished it to veteran safety Mark Roman. Roman has since lost his starter’s spot.

“I want the headset,” Willis said. “I break the huddle, I call the play, it’s my show to run.”

Even though Willis has missed time, he has nonetheless been a daily presence at practices, ducking into huddles, calling defenses and watching even the second- and third-team units.

NOTES: Cornerback Tarell Brown, who injured his toe in the first practice of training camp, returned for limited duty on Monday. Brown is locked in a battle for the right cornerback spot with Dre Bly. … Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky praised the play of rookie defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois in the 49ers’ 17-16 exhibition game victory over the Denver Broncos on Friday night, saying that Jean-Francois held up well against the double-team.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects Willis to Pro Bowl linebacker, EDITS.)